Arvind Kejriwal's Health in Tihar Jail: AAP's Claims and Tihar Authorities' Response

Arvind Kejriwal's Health in Tihar Jail: AAP's Claims and Tihar Authorities' Response

In a series of conflicting reports and accusations, the health of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his imprisonment has become a contentious issue between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Tihar jail authorities.

The Allegations by AAP

On July 14, 2024, the Aam Aadmi Party claimed that Arvind Kejriwal had experienced a significant and alarming weight loss of 8.5 kg while in Tihar Jail. Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi raised concerns about Kejriwal’s health, stating that his sugar levels had dropped dangerously low, below 50 mg/dL, multiple times. Atishi and other AAP leaders accused the BJP of conspiring to harm Kejriwal by depriving him of adequate medical care, which is crucial given his long-standing diabetes.

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh emphasized that Kejriwal’s health was at risk, suggesting that if his sugar levels dropped further, he could potentially slip into a coma or suffer a brain stroke. The AAP leaders criticized the prison administration and demanded better health monitoring and care for Kejriwal.

The Response from Tihar Jail

Contrary to AAP's claims, the Tihar Jail administration released a detailed health report stating that Kejriwal had lost only 2 kg since his return to prison on June 2, 2024, after a 21-day bail period. According to the report, Kejriwal’s weight was 65 kg when he first entered prison on April 1, 66 kg between April 8 and April 29, and 63.5 kg when he returned to prison on June 2. As of July 14, his weight stood at 61.5 kg.

The jail authorities asserted that Kejriwal's vitals, including blood pressure and sugar levels, were being regularly monitored by a medical board from AIIMS. They emphasized that he was receiving home-cooked food three times a day and adequate medical care for his diabetes. The administration accused AAP of misleading the public with exaggerated and false claims to undermine the prison authorities.

Political Reactions and Ongoing Tensions

The BJP dismissed AAP's allegations as political drama. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva pointed out that Kejriwal had campaigned vigorously during the Lok Sabha elections without any health issues and suggested that the current health claims were fabricated to secure bail. Sachdeva accused AAP of trying to manipulate public perception and judicial proceedings.

The Legal Battle

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Government's now-scrapped excise policy of 2021-22. He was later arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a corruption case related to the same policy on June 26, 2024. Despite being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in the money laundering case, Kejriwal remains in Tihar Jail due to the ongoing CBI case.

Conclusion

The conflicting reports and accusations surrounding Arvind Kejriwal's health in Tihar Jail highlight the intense political rivalry between AAP and BJP. While AAP alleges a conspiracy to harm Kejriwal, the Tihar Jail authorities maintain that he is receiving appropriate medical care and that his health is being closely monitored. The situation continues to unfold as both sides present their narratives, leaving the public to interpret the facts amidst the political drama.

Reference

• Arvind Kejriwal lost 2 kg in prison, say Tihar sources amid AAP’s allegations
• Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar Jail: Blood sugar level under control, says ED
• Arvind Kejriwal only lost 2kg in prison, says Tihar Jail after AAP’s unexplained weight loss claim
• Slight weight loss, vitals remain normal: Tihar Jail on Arvind Kejriwal’s health

Check out the above links for more details